Chem. Oceano. Unit 1: Intro to Chemical Oceanography

Chemical Oceanography

The study of the distribution of elements, isotopes, + compounds in the oceans + the changes that occur.

Marine Chemistry

Focused more on chemical reactions than on the processes determining the distribution of substance in the ocean.

CO2 Gas

The only carbon that has a direct influence on the atmosphere/climate.

Marine Biogeochemistry

Focused on the partitioning + cycling of elements/compounds between living/nonliving parts of an ecosystem (+ connection).

4 CO2 Reservoires

1) Oceans - 38 000 Gt

2) Land - 6 000 Gt

3) Atmosphere - 800 Gt

4) Sediments

Carbon Reservoirs

A series of carbon storage areas that exhibit the continuous transfer of material in different magnitudes + sizes.

Challenger

The first oceanographic expedition over 68 890 miles and 362 days.

Water Samplers

Tubes used for chemical analyses at various depths - can be deployed in groups/sets at various depths for various scientists.

Components of Modern Oceanography

1) International marine research

2) International multi-year programs

3) Submarine technology

4) Satellites (GPS + platforms)

5) Computational modelling

6) Deep ocean drilling

Submersibles

The most used submarine technology but is expensive.

AUVs

Limited by control and are dependent on planning/programming.

ROVs

The most abandoned submersible technology that is limited by a tether (decreasing depths reached and adding drag).

Satellites

Dedicated sensors for physical, biological, geological, and chemical oceanography implications (geolocation/GPS + data collection - buoys/AUVs).

ARGO Floats

Move up and down in the water column at various depths + relays data to satellites repeatedly.

Sediment Traps

Concentrate + collect material from the water column in a filter.

Underwater Observatories

Create ocean networks for data collection (ex. BC, CBS/Holy Rood).

Geospatial Observing Systems

Combines many technologies to provide a clear picture of the processes occurring in the ocean (ex. VENUS).

Stable Isotopes

A newer technique used to track different biogeochemical processes today + in the past.

Stable Isotopes Today

Provide information about the origin of water/organic matter + the biological flow (cycles) of carbon and other elements.

Past Stable Isotopes

Acquired via sediment sampling (piston corers) + deep ocean drilling providing insight into paleoceanography and the chemistry of past oceans/climate